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All SectorsCHEMICAL ETCHING FOR AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE
Precision components for mission-critical applications. Download our technical capability guide to see our ±0.025mm tolerances and full material traceability.
We provide a variety of chemically etched parts for applications in both the aerospace and defence industries. For small parts in aerospace and defence, the chemical etching process provides consistent, high-quality parts to almost exact specifications.
For more information on how we can reduce your costs & improve lead time contact our dedicated account managers on 01480 226699 or email enquiries@photofab.co.uk.
Download our brochure to see what we bring to the aerospace and defence sector
Traceability of parts in aerospace and defence
In high-stakes manufacturing, traceability isn’t just a logistical requirement; it is a fundamental pillar of risk reduction and commercial confidence. For components used in mission-critical systems, where safety is paramount, the ability to track every stage of a component’s lifecycle is non-negotiable.
The failure of a single small component in aerospace and defence can have catastrophic consequences for vehicle integrity or operative safety. Traceability ensures that every part meets strict military and aerospace requirements for reliability.
For chemically etched components, this includes detailed production records and material batch identification to guarantee performance under stress and in demanding environments.
Adhering to international standards is a prerequisite for entering NATO defence supply chains. Traceability provides the documentation necessary to prove compliance with AS9100 & ISO 9001 and MIL-SPEC Standards.
Benefits of chemical etching for defence and aerospace
Burr-free & stress-free finish on all components
Resistance to high temperatures and corrosion
Scalable production from prototype to high volume
Fully traceable and managed in-house
Tolerance to ±0.025mm
High degree of accuracy for consistent production
Fast turnaround, from 24 hours
ISO 9001, 14001, 18001 and SC21 accredited
FAQs for Aerospace and Defence Chemical Etching
What is traceability in defence manufacturing?
Traceability refers to the ability to track a component’s entire lifecycle – from the origin of raw materials through production, inspection and final delivery. In chemical etching, this includes material batch tracking and compliance with standards like AS9100.
How are defence and aerospace components traceable?
Parts are tracked via material batch identification, production records, and inspection reports to meet AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards.
Why is compliance vital for aerospace and defence parts?
It ensures every component meets strict safety, reliability and documentation requirements for mission-critical use.
We take great care in the selection of the right metal for the component application. Wherever possible, we use a special photo-etching grade, which is more uniform in thickness and flatter than normal stock. Our engineers and metallurgists will be pleased to advise on the grade of metal suitable for your application.
An extensive range of metals in various degrees of hardness and thickness are held in stock ready to meet a Rapid Delivery service. Metal thickness of 0.005 to 1.5 mm is suitable for through etching, while any thickness of sheet material can be surface etched.
The following list of metals is suitable for chemical etching and forming, and many are held in stock. If you don’t see what you need, please telephone us on 01480 226699 or contact us using the form below.
Stainless Steels
Austenitic (301, 302, 304, 316, S526, S527), Martensitic (321, 410, 420), Precipitation Hardened (17/7), Heat Resisting (309, 310)
Other Steels
Mild Steel, Carbon Steel, Tool Steel, Spring Steel, Transil, Losil.
Nickel Alloys
Nichrome, Mu Metal, Nickel Copper (70/30), Inconel, Nickel Brazing Foil.
Nickel/Iron Alloys
Invar, Alloy 42, Kovar, Radio Metal.
Copper
Tough Pitch 101, Oxygen free – High Conductivity.
Copper Alloys
Brass, Phosphor Bronze, Beryllium Copper, Nickel Silver, Ferry Constantan.
Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys
Silver and Alloys
Silver, Silver Alloys, Silver/Copper, Silver/Palladium, Silver Brazing Alloys.
start your production journey today
If you are looking to find a complete service include dedicated engineering to design and implement your solution, get in touch with us. You’ll be allocated your own dedicated account manager who is always on hand to advise and take care of everything for you. Call us on 01480 226699 or contact us now to see how we can add an extra dimension to your manufacturing project. Keep up to date by following us on LinkedIn.
TAKE A LOOK AT OTHER
SECTORS we Supply
Electronics
Currently, 90% of industry uses electronics to advance the functionality of their products – showing the scale of demand for intricate electronics products.
Renewables & renewable energy
Chemical etching is a clean, environmentally friendly manufacturing process that produces minimal waste and has a low carbon footprint.
Aerospace and Defence
We have an established background in meeting the needs of the Aerospace and Defence sectors. The chemical etching process is ideal for producing components that are used in critical applications.
Product Development
The UK is one of the world leaders in design and development. We are proud to support this sector, offering many options for designing and bringing a product into reality.
Communications
Chemical etching can be a crucial process in the manufacture of communications equipment.
Life Sciences
We are proud to offer components vital to the life sciences sector in a cost-effective manner through our chemical etching services.
Scientific
The scientific sector shares many similarities with that of the life sciences sector. They are both reliant on the constant innovation of technology to be able to power their research goals.
Automotive
We are a specialist supplier to the automotive industry. Chemical etching is an ideal solution for the manufacture of certain specialist automotive parts.
Medical
Chemical etching offers a cost-effective way to mass produce small, intricate components for use in devices such as ventilators, but also in many other medical devices.
Rail
The rail industry is a cornerstone of global infrastructure delivering vital connectivity with its continual advancing IT technology. It’s a critical industry which demands intricate parts to run smoothly.
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